Red, White and Blue No-Bake Energy Bars
Vibrant, chewy no-bake energy in minutes—no food dyes, refined sugar-free, packed with fiber, healthy fats & plant-based protein for a satisfying snack. Customizable, can be nut-free and are perfectly portable for summer picnics, a fun lunchbox treat or a balanced snack. Kid and adult approved!
Equipment
- Food processor
- Parchment paper
- Spatula or Spoon
- Small bowl
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup runny nut or seed butter peanut butter, cashew, almond butter or sunflower seed butter for nut-free; ensure it’s runny or add more sweetener or water may be needed to bind
- 5 pitted Medjool dates or 1/4 cup more liquid sweetener
- 3 Tbsp honey or maple syrup or 5-6 additional dates, do not use honey for vegan
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups quick oats or rolled oats, see notes (use certified gluten-free if needed)
- 1/8 tsp sea salt optional, can omit if nut/seed butter is salted
Dry Ingredient Add ins:
- 1/4 cup sunflower seeds hemp seeds or chopped nuts - customize for your favorites
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut or more nuts or seeds
- 2 1/2 Tbsp chia seeds white preferred to make color pop, or substitute with golden flax seed meal
- 2 –4 Tbsp water or plant-based milk add 1 Tbsp at a time as needed for binding
For Natural Red and Blue Coloring:
- 1 tsp blue spirulina for blue color OR drops of all natural blue food coloring
- 1 tsp dragon fruit powder + 1/4 tsp powdered beets OR all natural red food dye adjust for desired vibrancy
Optional Topping (Recommended for true white color):
- 3 Tbsp white chocolate chips + 1/2 tsp coconut oil for drizzling, OR 2–3 Tbsp coconut butter for refined sugar-free topping
Optional: 2-3 Tbsp goji berries for add-in texture or for topping
Instructions
Prepare the Base Mixture:
- In a food processor, add pitted dates, nut/seed butter, honey/other liquid sweetener and vanilla extract to the food processor. Process until combined until a smooth paste forms. *If dates are dry (not moist), soak in warm water for 10 minutes beforehand.
- Add dry ingredients (oats, shredded coconut, chia seeds, sea salt, and your chosen add-ins like sunflower seeds or hemp seeds). Process until the mixture is well combined and holds together well when pressed. Add more water or milk 1 Tbsp at a time if the mixture is too dry.
Divide and Color the Dough:
- Divide the mixture into three equal portions. Transfer portions to a plate or piece of parchment paper.
- White Dough: Set aside one portion as is for the white layer.
- Red Dough: Return one portion to the food processor. Add dragon fruit powder and beet powder (or natural red food dye drops to desired color). Process until evenly colored. If using goji berries, pulse them in briefly for texture (note: this may create a less clean cut). Remove red dough from the food processor.
- Blue Dough: Add the final portion to the food processor with blue spirulina (or natural blue food dye drops). Process until evenly colored.
Create the Marbled Effect:
- Roll each portion (red, white, and blue) into a log shape on a piece of parchment paper
- Place each of the colored dough one by one to stack. Gently fold and twist the logs together to create a marbled effect, being careful not to overmix the colors.
- Press the combined dough evenly into a parchment-lined standard loaf pan (8x4 or 9x5). Use the bottom of a flat glass or a spatula to flatten the surface smoothly.
- Place the pan in the fridge for 30-60 minutes to firm up. Can refrigerate overnight and cut the next day.
- Lift the bars out using the parchment paper and slice into 8 large or 16 small bars.
Add the Optional Drizzle:
- Melt white chocolate chips with coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, warm coconut butter until pourable.
- Drizzle over the chilled bars using a spoon or piping bag. If desired, sprinkle extra goji berries on top for added texture and color.
- Return to the fridge for 10–15 minutes to set the drizzle. Enjoy!
Notes
Serve as is, pair with yogurt or a hard-boiled egg(s) for a balanced breakfast, or pack for a speedy snack on-the-go.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months. For portability, wrap individual bars in parchment paper or reusable wrap.
Tips & Customizations
Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free version.
Add-Ins: Customize with dried blueberries, cranberries, goji berries, or chopped almonds. Add-ins like goji berries can also be sprinkled on top with the drizzle for a decorative touch.
Sweetness: Adjust dates or liquid sweetener to taste. If the mixture is too dry, add more sweetener or liquid.
Coloring: Natural food dye drops (plant-based, from spirulina or beets) are a convenient alternative to powders. Find them at health food stores or online. Texture: Quick oats yield a softer bar (I used these); rolled oats give a chewier texture.
Nut-Free Option: Use sunflower seed butter or tahini for a nut-free version.
Add-Ins: Customize with dried blueberries, cranberries, goji berries, or chopped almonds. Add-ins like goji berries can also be sprinkled on top with the drizzle for a decorative touch.
Sweetness: Adjust dates or liquid sweetener to taste. If the mixture is too dry, add more sweetener or liquid.
Coloring: Natural food dye drops (plant-based, from spirulina or beets) are a convenient alternative to powders. Find them at health food stores or online. Texture: Quick oats yield a softer bar (I used these); rolled oats give a chewier texture.